The Greek word assárion, represented by G787, is of Latin origin and refers to an assarius or as, a Roman coin, commonly translated as farthing. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to denote a coin of extremely small monetary value.
In its biblical usage, G787 appears exclusively in passages discussing the sale of sparrows to illustrate a theological point. In one account, the question is posed, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?" Matthew 10:29. A parallel passage in Luke uses slightly different quantities to make the same point about their minimal worth, asking if five sparrows are sold for two farthings Luke 12:6. In both instances, the coin establishes the negligible value of these small birds in human commerce.
Several related words provide the context for the value and transaction associated with a farthing:
- G1417 dýo (two): This primary numeral for "two" is used to quantify either the sparrows being sold Matthew 10:29 or the number of farthings being paid Luke 12:6.
- G4002 pénte (five): Meaning "five", this number appears in Luke's account to specify the quantity of sparrows purchased for a very low price Luke 12:6.
- G4453 pōléō (to sell): This term defines the commercial transaction, confirming that the sparrows are sold for the price of a farthing (Matthew 10:29, Luke 12:6).
- G4765 strouthíon (little sparrow): As the object of the transaction, the "little sparrow" is the creature whose life is valued at a mere farthing Matthew 10:29.
The theological weight of G787 lies not in its monetary value but in what it represents in contrast to God's valuation.
- Contrasting Value: The farthing is used to establish the lowliest price imaginable for a living creature. This is immediately contrasted with God's perspective, who does not forget even one of them Luke 12:6.
- Divine Awareness: The use of the coin emphasizes that what is worth a mere farthing to man does not escape God's notice, as not even one sparrow falls to the ground without the Father's knowledge Matthew 10:29.
- Human Worth: By setting this low benchmark, the passages powerfully affirm the immense value of human beings, who are explicitly told they are "of more value than many sparrows" Luke 12:7.
In summary, assárion G787 is more than just a reference to a Roman coin. It functions as a powerful rhetorical tool in scripture. By representing the smallest unit of commercial value, it serves to highlight the infinite and compassionate attentiveness of God, who treasures what the world considers almost worthless and places an immeasurable value on humanity.
TRV